The Sri Lanka Itinerary Dec 27th to Jan 4th 26/27: The Perfect New Year Sri Lankan Experience
Updated: Aug 31
Day 1 (27th Dec) Colombo Airport - Negombo. Upon arrival at Colombo airport, you will be transferred to Negombo for an overnight stay to rest after your long flight before embarking on your exciting Sri Lankan adventure. Once you have settled in, we will gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant to introduce ourselves. Overnight in Negombo. Meal plan: (Group welcome dinner)
Day 2 (28th Dec) Negombo - Dambulla - Sigiriya. Following breakfast today, we will commence our journey to explore Dambulla Cave Temple. Situated at an altitude of 1118 feet above sea level, a colossal rock emerges from the flatlands. Standing tall at over 600 feet above Dambulla and stretching 2000 feet in length, this site houses the globally renowned Cave complex adorned with splendid Buddha sculptures. Subsequently, we will enjoy lunch in Dambulla before proceeding to check in at our hotel. Later in the afternoon, we will venture from the hotel to visit Pidurangala Rock. Pidurangala is where King Kassapa resettled the Buddhist monks who previously inhabited the vicinity of Sigiriya. Beyond an ancient temple situated at the hill's base lies a path that ascends upwards. Similar to Sigiriya, Pidurangala was created by volcanic actions. In the evening, we will return to our lodging in Dambulla/Sigiriya.
Overnight stay in Dambulla/Sigiriya. Meal plan: (Breakfast and dinner)
Day 3 (29th Dec) Dambulla - Sigiriya - Dambulla Experience the sunrise at Sigiriya. Our day will commence with a departure from the hotel at 4.30am to explore the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, also known as the “fortress in the sky” of “King Kasyapa”. This early morning visit offers a serene and pleasant atmosphere to avoid the heat. Returning to the hotel before 9:00 am for breakfast, you can choose to relax, take a rest, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool. Later, at 1:30 pm, we will head out to visit a local village. A guided tour of the village will provide insight into the traditional Sri Lankan village life, followed by a delicious lunch prepared by the locals. After the village tour, we will return to the hotel, where you can opt to visit the Ayurvedic Spa (additional cost) or simply unwind before dinner.
Overnight stay in Dambulla/Sigiriya. Meal plan: (Breakfast, lunch at local village and dinner)
Day 4 (30th Dec) Dambulla - Kandy. Following breakfast, we will commence our journey towards Kandy, making a stop at Matale, renowned as the spice hub of Sri Lanka. Here, we will partake in an enlightening tour of a spice garden, delving into the world of Sri Lankan spices, herbs, and the therapeutic benefits of Ayurveda. The lush tropical environment where these plants thrive ensures the preservation of their ancient authenticity. Our next destination is Kandy, where we will pause at a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city from one of its elevated plateaus. Subsequently, we will pay a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a significant Buddhist temple nestled within the royal palace complex on the shores of Kandy Lake. Revered as the most sacred shrine in the Buddhist realm and among the people of Sri Lanka, it holds profound spiritual importance. Following this, we will explore Kandy Lake before enjoying lunch. Post-lunch, there will be an opportunity for shopping before attending a captivating performance of the traditional Kandyan Dance, a cultural emblem of Sri Lanka. Overnight stay in Kandy. Meal plan: (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 5 (31st Dec) Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella Today, we bid farewell to Kandy and head towards Ella FOR NEW YEARS EVE IN ELLA. En route, we will visit the impressive Ramboda Falls, standing at 109m tall and ranking as the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 729th highest in the world. Our journey will also include a visit to the Bluefield Tea Factory, where you can enjoy a delightful cup of tea from one of Sri Lanka's main tea factories. Here, you will witness the traditional process of bringing together fresh tea leaves from the finest high grown tea gardens of Ceylon, using techniques passed down through generations. Next, we will reach Nuwara Eliya Town, often called "little England" due to its English village charm combined with a Sri Lankan touch. A stop at the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office, built in 1894 by the British, will offer a glimpse of its Tudor-style architecture and iconic clock spire. Our journey continues with the renowned Nanu Oya to Ella train ride, featuring breathtaking views of manmade tunnels, waterfalls, tea plantations, and scenic mountains and valleys. The train journey will showcase grey stone cliffs, rivers, and majestic waterfalls, as we steadily ascend towards Ella. Anticipated arrival at Ella station is around 5pm, where we will be transferred to our accommodation for the night. Given Ella's vibrant dining scene, dinner will be enjoyed in town rather than at the hotel. Overnight stay in Ella. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 6 (1st Jan) Ella Today, those seeking adventure can embark on a hike to little Adam's peak in the morning to take in the stunning views of Ella. Following this, we will explore the nine arch bridge. In the afternoon, we will visit the Ravana Pool Club/Ella Swing For the perfect New Years Day, with the option to try zip lining. In the evening, we will head out in Ella for dinner and drinks to make the most of our final night here. Overnight stay in Ella. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 7 (2nd Jan) Ella - Udawalawe - Mirissa This morning we will leave Ella and make our way to Udawalawe. Along the way we will stop at Rawana Water Falls for some photos. Then lunch before our safari in Udawalwe National Park. Udawalawe, Sri Lanka is the best place in Asia to see herds of Asian Elephants, in the wild. In Udawalawe National Park, the trees retain their leaves even during the dry season, and is one of Sri Lanka's evergreen forests that harbours one of Asia'a largest & most viable Asian elephant populations. After our safari, we will make our way to our hotel in Mirissa.
Overnight stay in Mirissa. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 8 (3rd Jan) Mirissa Today is a laid-back day in Mirissa, a chance to unwind and relax following a week of adventure. We will witness the Stilt Fishermen in action and conclude the day with a visit to Galle Fort. Initially constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later significantly fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, Galle Fort is now recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site due to its rich cultural history and the harmonious blend of European architecture with South Asian traditions. We can also take a trip to Coconut Hill for some amazing Instagram photos. In the evening, we will have dinner and explore the nightlife that Mirissa offers. We will spend the night in Mirissa. Overnight stay in Mirissa. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 9 (4th Jan) Mirissa - Colombo Airport
Today is the day to bid farewell, unless you decide to extend your stay for a few more days. Following breakfast, there will be a shuttle bus departing Mirissa at 10am to transport you back to Colombo.
*The journey takes approximately 2/3 hours, so it is recommended to book evening flights departing after 5pm. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Total cost per person €1875
Included: Tour guide and tour leader for the entire tour, transportation for the entire tour, all accommodation in hotels, 2 airport transfers, all meals mentioned in the itinerary, water on whole tour, entrance tickets to the following sites: Dambulla, Pidurangala, Sigiriya, Village tour, Temple of the Tooth, Traditional Kandyan dance, train ride to Ella, Udwalawe National Park (Includes private jeeps).
NOT included: International flights, visa for entry to Sri Lanka $50, compulsory travel insurance, zip lining, meals not listed in the itinerary or tips.
*Terms and Conditions:
The Itinerary may be subject to small changes due to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Sarah will be your tour leader on this trip! All rooms on our trips are shared, with two people per room. We’ll match you with an adventure buddy, giving you the perfect chance to make new friends! To keep things fresh, you’ll switch roommates every couple of nights and connect with someone new or you can choose to stay together.
If you are happy with the itinerary and want to go ahead. A deposit of €500 will be required to secure your booking within upon confirmation of spot. This deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is non-refundable due to several important factors. When you book a place on the tour, I immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. In addition, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, I aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.
The balance will be due 10 weeks before trip start date (18th of October 2026). You can make the payments in instalments after the deposit is paid if that suits you. With regards to a refund: Your deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is required to book all details. For the balance of your payment, I may be able to refund this up 10 weeks before the trip should you have an emergency and need to cancel. Anything closer then 10 weeks, and I cannot refund you.
It is mandatory you take out comprehensive travel-insurance that covers trip cancellations, that way should you have to cancel you are covered, you will get a full pay out from your insurance company. Keep an eye on the excess required.
*Deposit, Booking & Payment Terms
By paying your deposit, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions above. This forms a legally binding agreement between you (“the Traveller”) and the tour operator (“JATT”). Your deposit secures your place on the trip and is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. Once paid, you are committed to the booking and agree to pay the remaining balance by the specified due date (10 weeks before departure). Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of all payments made.
Cancellations
If you cancel your trip, the following applies:
Deposit: Non-refundable
More than 10 weeks before departure: Loss of deposit only
Less than 10 weeks: 100% non-refundable
All cancellations must be made in writing.
Important Information
Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover cancellation and medical expenses.
You are responsible for valid passports, visas, and entry requirements.
No refunds for missed flights, late arrivals, or unused services.
We may make reasonable changes to the itinerary if necessary.
If a trip is cancelled by us, a full refund will be issued (excluding personal expenses such as flights).
By completing the deposit payment, you enter into a binding agreement and accept all Terms & Conditions, including non-refundable deposit and cancellation terms.